4

I got my first indoor cat palm about 3 months ago. At first it seemed to be doing ok, but it started rapidly browning at the tips, and then entire leaves would yellow. There was another very helpful post on here where someone explained about spider mites, overwatering, and other factors! Since then, I did determine it had spider mites and have been checking regularly to make sure they do not return and treated it with need oil. I also rinsed it off in the shower before hand to shake it out. I also cut off dying leaves at the trunk as instructed.

I water it once a week, and lately I’ve been waiting until it gets dryer than that. It doesn’t get too much sunlight, so I’m thinking that could be part of it. I’ve also seen posts that say the soil and the water hardness could be a problem. I live in DC and Google says our water is “moderately hard” and I had used Miracle Gro Indoor Potting Mix. I thought it was improving because it’s been growing new stems, but I’m seeing that they are showing early signs of browning at the tip. Does anybody have any advice? I’ve included one photo where it usually is in the apartment, and other by the window for better light. enter image description hereenter image description here

Improve this question
3
  • I think I see spider mites on the leaves. See here for how to identify and remove gardening.stackexchange.com/q/23708/499
    – kevinskio ♦
    Commented Sep 30, 2020 at 20:28
  • Ok, I’ll go ahead and follow the steps in the link and see if it helps. Let me know if anyone else has any other suggestions!
    – Michela
    Commented Oct 1, 2020 at 0:50
  • And thank you, btw!
    – Michela
    Commented Oct 1, 2020 at 0:50

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

I find that shallow watering causes browning at the tips. When watering I put mine in the sink and water them heavily, or you can actually sit the pot in some water until the soil is soaked.

Improve this answer
3
  • How often do you water them like that then?
    – Michela
    Commented Oct 1, 2020 at 12:27
  • I don't water mine on a schedule. I just wait until the soil looks a bit dry, but some plants like to be kept moist. Here's a good resource on browning tips: pennington.com/all-products/fertilizer/resources/…
    – Autumn
    Commented Oct 2, 2020 at 23:03
  • When I first started buying pots my mum told me "they like a good soak". I didn't listen to her and I always had problems with brown ends. When I started doing this the problem fixed. Better advice might have been "they hate shallow watering". There is still a little bit on some leaves that you only notice when you go up close, but most are healthy and the plants are thriving. I hope this helps for you.
    – Autumn
    Commented Oct 2, 2020 at 23:11
0

Many palms like humidity, spray your leaves with water. Also palms mostly live in sandy soils, well drained if you over water with no drainage you can flood kill them. They grow in forest understories so indirect sunlight and good humidity keeps them alive.

Improve this answer
1
  • Hmm, ok thank you for the advice!
    – Michela
    Commented Oct 1, 2020 at 12:28

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.